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Plastic breast surgery

Apr 15, 2012 , Lucia Hlavatá

Plastic breast surgery is done both to increase and decrease the breasts' size. Breast enlargement is mainly done for esthetic reasons and there are multiple ways of performing this surgery. Breast reduction is more commonly done for medical reasons. Find out how the operation itself is done, what the possible complications are and how much does it cost in the following article.

Plastic breast surgery

Plastic surgery is a specialized field of surgery which aims to improve or restore the look or function of various bodyparts. Plastic surgery of breasts can be associated with either breast enlargement or breast reduction. It is usually performed on women, although breast reduction can also be applied on men who suffer from gynecomastia, an enlargement of the male mammary gland. An ideal breast is about 200-350 ml. Breasts that are too small or sagging can cause psychological issues for some women, which is why a plastic breast surgery is used for them. On the other hand, oversized breasts are not only a cosmetic issue, but can cause a number of medical issues as well, due to their size and weight.

Preoperative examination

Before each plastic breast surgery, since it is performed under general anesthesia, the woman needs to undergo a preoperative examination, the results determining, if it is possible to proceed with the surgery. Many clinics perform the preoperative examination themselves, which is often simpler for the patient. The preoperative examination comprises of a laboratory blood exam, liver testing, blood coagulation testing, urine, blood type, ECG, and physical exam. It is also necessary to rule out breast diseases using an ultrasound exam or a mammogram.

Plastic breast enlargement

Breast implants are inserted. These can have varying shaped, such as round, water drop shaped, or even different for each breast, to achieve breasts of equal shape. They are inserted either under the mammary gland or under the pectoral muscle. The implants can be made out of silicone, filled with saline or a combination of these two.

The course of plastic breast enlargement

Plastic breast enlargement is done under a general anesthesia. The incision is done either under the breast, on the areola or under the armpit. The most commonly used incision is on the areola, however. The surgery lasts for about 1-2 hours and requires a hospitalization for 1-2 days. Antibiotics are employed as a precaution, to avoid any infection. After the surgery the breasts need to be fixated by a special bra, which should be worn for about 1-2 months. Sleeping on your back is recommended, as is limiting sport activity and physical work.

Complications of plastic breast enlargement

Just as in any other surgery, complications may occur. These are an infection of the surgical incision or the area around the implant, bleeding or excessive scarring. Since the skin is stretched after inserting the implant, it can become thin and rupture. The implant's lifetime is 10-15 years. The implants wears down during its life and can rupture or leak.

Plastic breast reduction

Oversized breasts can cause a number of medical issues to women, such as pain in the back, in the neck, shoulders and upper limbs. Large weight will also deform the breast's shape, which is why reduction can bring not only physical, but psychological relief as well. Breast reduction is base around removing excess breast tissue.

The course of plastic breast reduction

Plastic breast reduction is also performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours. The incision is done around the areola, then straight down and continues under the breast. After removing excess breast tissue, it is important to move the nipple and the areola to a correct position. After several days after the surgery, bandages are removed and replaced by a surgical bra. Swelling and bruises may persist after the surgery.

Complications of plastic breast reduction

Bleeding, excessive scarring, damages of the milk duct, forming of cysts,little cavities in the breast tissue or the atrophy of the nipple and areola can occur after breast reduction. The most common issue is a change in the breast's feeling, which tends to go away within 3 months.

Appropriate time for plastic breast surgery

If you decide for plastic breast surgery, it is important to have a clear image of your expectation and the resulting breast size. The ideal age for plastic breast surgery cannot be decided. The development of mammary glands is not finished before the 16th year of age. It is better to put implants in breast which will not change anymore by breastfeeding. An operation before pregnancy is not out of the question however, although another surgery may be required afterward, since the breast changes by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast reduction is not recommended for women under 20, since it is expected of the breast to grow and another surgery would be required afterward.

Cost of plastic breast surgery

The cost of plastic breast surgery differs based on the clinic performing the surgery and the material used. The price is increased by narcosis, a special bra, hospitalization, drugs used and other post-surgery care. In some cases, breast surgery can be covered by an insurance. One of these cases is a plastic surgery on the grounds of an oncologic disease or congenital defects. Other is the reduction of breasts due to their extreme size, which causes medical issues.